Do You Know Why Tabaccherias Are Essential In Italy?

Tabaccherias in Italy are like stepping into a slice of Italian culture. These humble establishments, known as tabacchi, are more than just places to buy cigarettes. They are hubs of convenience and tradition, offering a mix of products and services that cater to locals and travelers alike. Whether planning your next train journey, topping up your phone, or simply seeking a unique memento, you’ll find the tabacchi an indispensable part of your Italian experience.

There is so much more behind the “T.” Let’s find out how much you know about this essential store throughout Italy.

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Italy’s tabaccheria shops have long been a place for more than just purchasing tobacco items. The iconic emblem of a large T on a small rectangle is found in any Italian city or town and is associated with a place for locals to take care of daily activities.

So what exactly can you do in a tabaccheria in Italy? 

Purchase Bus and Metro Tickets

Tabaccherias are the only place to buy tickets for local public transport in Italy other than at the bus or metro station itself. Most tabaccheria sell these tickets at the same price you’d pay at the station itself.

Pay Bills at Tabaccherias

Other than paying online or at the post office (posta), most utility bills, including gas, electricity, and water, can be paid at a tabaccheria. Some will even accept payments for your telephone. Generally, you’ll typically pay a surcharge of €1 or €2 that goes to the store to handle the payment. Many people find it well worth the convenience. You must bring your bill with you, and the clerk will use that – along with your cash or credit card to pay the bill. You will always get a receipt with the payment.

Top up Your Phone Credit

If you’re using a pay-as-you-go phone plan with an Italian SIM card, you can pay or “top off” your credit at a tabaccheria. Usually, you must purchase in blocks of specific amounts, such as €10, €15, or €20.

If you have a monthly contract, you can usually pay your bill by providing the clerk with your telephone number. Not all telephone companies allow this method of payment, but most do.

Play the Lottery

You’ll notice colorful lottery scratcher tickets hanging from the ceilings at most tabaccherias. Italians seem to enjoy this more than I’ve seen in other countries. Perhaps I’ve not taken better notice, but it seems that way to me.

I thought this article from Fodor’s Travel was interesting about the 20 Oldest Shops in the World

Buy Tickets for Sports Events

Tabaccherias in Italy are actually licensed to sell tickets for football (soccer) matches, certain concerts, and other large-scale stadium events. I’m not sure every store can do this, but the majority can. This one actually surprised me – I had no idea!

Pick up Packages

Some tabaccheria are also drop points for large online companies such as Amazon.

Pay Fines and Taxes at Tabaccherias

Traffic violations and parking tickets can be paid for at tabaccherias.

Postage Stamps

At most shops, you can purchase a francobollo (postage stamp). Before purchasing your stamp, specify the destination, especially if your postcard travels internationally. Stamp prices vary based on their destinations. Some tabacchi are equipped with outdoor post boxes. These are usually orange or red and marked for international and/or domestic mail. 

In addition to standard postage stamps, some tabacchi shops print “marche da bollo,” the unique stamps needed for official government-authorized transactions. An expat must purchase a marca da bollo before renewing their permesso di soggiorno (permit to stay). Not all tabacchi shops offer this service.

Buy Cigarettes and Tobacco

Of course, the main purpose of this shop is to purchase cigarettes and other tobacco products. But note that you need a government-issued tessera sanitaria (health insurance card) as proof of age 18 or older to purchase these items. 

Other Items Available at the Tabaccherias

Depending on the size of the store, many will sell newspapers, magazines, greeting cards, snacks, mints, cough drops, candy bars, packs of gum, and drinks in bottles or cans. Sometimes you’ll even find various strengths of reading glasses, although nowadays they are mainly found in the pharmacies or farmacia’s.  You’ll also often find small souvenirs, most likely with the town’s name on them. Such items could be shot glasses and keychains.

Some shops usually offer an array of envelopes in various sizes. Some even sell cardboard boxes for shipping parcels. Other shipping materials, such as tape and postage labels, can be found in tabacchi.

Tabaccherias In Closing

So, the next time you explore Italy, don’t underestimate the tabacchi. Beyond its unassuming exterior lies a gateway to convenience, culture, and connection. Whether you’re sending a postcard or discovering local quirks, these shops have a way of grounding you in the rhythm of Italian life. Remember, the charm of Italy isn’t just in its grand piazzas and towering cathedrals—it’s also in the everyday places that make life here so uniquely unique.